Who do you listen to?
As children we listen to our parents and teachers. Teens follow their friends. Adults add to this council from media and employers. We ask others to weigh in on everything from our new hair cut to our mate’s infidelity. It’s great to have emotional support. We need it.
But many of us have neglected to confer with the one person that knows us best, ourselves.
Being brought up to please everyone but myself, valuing my own opinion came hard.
I trusted people who used me. I believed it when I was told my instincts were wrong.
There was a price to pay for trusting everyone but myself and it wasn’t pretty.
Why don’t we listen to ourselves?
Because we’re told that acting for ourselves is selfish or our gut is wrong. This brainwashing began as children, took hold, and now many of us question our gut and that small voice of reason.
When I pondered this, I realized that people lie to children to cover uncomfortable situations:
“No dear. Daddy isn’t drunk. He’s just tired. Where do you come up with this stuff?
Such a wild imagination you have.”
No wonder we don’t value our inner voice. The truth is, Daddy had been toasted to the gills. You were right! Time to own that truth and renew the relationship with your inner wisdom.
How?
The same way you would in any friendship, by making contact and listening.
Contact can take the form of meditation, journaling or prayer. You choose what feels right for you.
A few minutes a day will make a big difference in your ability to hear and understand the quiet voice of reason. In a recent meditation, I learned that I was out of balance. I needed more exercise and time with family. This allowed me to alter my schedule and I’m happier for it.
I challenge you to make time for a daily visit with yourself. Let us know what happens.
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